July 13, 2021
Stepping into the world of horse riding as a beginner can feel overwhelming—walk into a tack shop or scroll online, and you’ll be faced with endless equipment options. It’s easy to get stuck wondering what’s essential and what’s just extra. To save you time and money, we’ve broken down the must-have gear for both you (the rider) and your horse, so you can focus on what matters most: learning to ride.
Save this simple checklist to your phone—it’s your go-to for shopping without the confusion. We’ll dive deeper into each item next, so don’t stress if some terms feel new!
Riding pants (breeches or jodhpurs)
Breathable, non-restrictive shirt
Riding boots (tall or short paddock boots)
Half chaps (paired with paddock boots)
Equestrian helmet
Equestrian safety vest
Saddle, saddle pad, and girth
Stirrup irons and stirrup leathers
Bridle, reins, and bit
Grooming tools
Fly spray
Horse blanket/sheet (weather-dependent)
Horse first aid kit
Nearly all rider gear is designed with safety in mind—don’t skip these items. They protect you and help you stay comfortable while communicating with your horse.
Forget regular jeans—riding pants are built for the sport.
Breeches: The most common choice for adults. They’re stretchy (for freedom of movement), have no inside seam (to prevent chafing), and use grip fabric to keep you stable in the saddle.
Jodhpurs: More popular for kids. They’re a slightly different style but serve the same purpose: keeping you comfortable and secure.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide: What Are Breeches and How To Choose The Right Pair
You have more flexibility here, but comfort is key.
Opt for breathable, non-restrictive fabric—think moisture-wicking materials that keep you cool during long rides.
If you ride outdoors often, look for shirts with UV protection to shield you from the sun.
No need for a “riding-specific” shirt right away—any loose, lightweight top works in a pinch.
Regular boots (like sneakers or work boots) are a no-go—they lack critical safety features.
All riding boots have: A small heel (to keep your foot from sliding through the stirrup) and a textured sole (for grip).
Tall boots: Great for shows, but also work for practice. They prevent the saddle from pinching your legs.
Paddock boots (short boots): More versatile and comfortable for beginners. Pair them with half chaps—they add grip and protect your lower legs.
This is non-negotiable—horse riding carries a high risk of head trauma, even for beginners.
Buy a helmet made specifically for equestrians—it has safety technology (like impact absorption) that regular bike helmets don’t.
Make sure it fits properly! Use our guide to measure your head and get the right size.
A vest adds an extra layer of protection if you fall.
It shields your torso from impacts (including hooves) and comes in styles like air-filled designs for added cushioning.
They might feel a little bulky at first, but the safety benefit is worth it.
Not sure which to pick? Explore our roundup of top horse riding vests.
Your horse needs gear to stay comfortable, safe, and responsive to your cues. These are the basics to start with.
The saddle is your biggest investment—treat it well.
Saddle: It must fit both you and your horse. A bad fit causes discomfort (for both of you) and can even lead to injury. Learn how to measure for the right size and care for your saddle to make it last.
Saddle Pad: Placed under the saddle. It cushions your horse’s back, absorbs sweat, prevents heat buildup, and protects the saddle from wear.
Girth: A band that wraps around your horse’s belly to hold the saddle in place. It’s simple but essential—never ride without it.
Need help with pads? Read our Ultimate English Saddle Pad Guide
This is how you communicate with your horse—think of it as your “steering and braking system.”
Bridle: An English bridle has four main parts: crown piece, noseband, cheek pieces, and browband. The style you choose depends on your riding type (e.g., casual vs. competitive).
Reins: Attached to the bridle—you use them to guide your horse.
Bit: Fits in your horse’s mouth. Choose one that’s comfortable for your horse (our guide explains how).
Learn the basics: What is a Horse Bridle and How Does It Work
These help you stay balanced and mount your horse.
Stirrup irons: Metal rings where you place your feet. They give you a stable base to stand on while riding.
Stirrup leathers: Straps that attach the irons to the saddle. They’re adjustable—you’ll set them to your leg length.
Grooming isn’t just about making your horse look shiny—it’s part of their health care.
It boosts circulation, keeps their coat healthy, and lets you check for issues (like cuts or swelling) early.
It’s also a great way to bond with your horse! Use our horse grooming tools guide to build your kit.
Flies are more than a nuisance—they carry diseases that can harm your horse.
You can’t eliminate flies entirely, but fly spray reduces their numbers.
Pair it with keeping your horse’s area clean (e.g., removing manure) to make the space less attractive to flies.
Do you need one? It depends.
Consider your climate (cold, damp weather calls for a blanket) and your horse (some breeds have thick coats and don’t need extra layers).
Use our guide to learn about different blanket types and how to measure your horse for the right fit.
Every horse owner needs a well-stocked kit—you don’t want to waste time searching for supplies if your horse is injured.
Once you’ve got the essentials, you can add extras if you need them. For example:
It’s easy to get tempted by fancy gear, but stick to the essentials first. This helps you manage your budget and avoid clutter. As you gain experience, you can add more items—for now, focus on what keeps you and your horse safe and comfortable.
If you run into unfamiliar terms, our glossary of equestrian terms is here to help. Happy riding!
Would you like me to expand on any section, like adding more details about choosing a saddle or building a grooming kit? Or I can create a printable checklist of the essential gear to make shopping even easier—just let me know.
Email:contact@hopehorsechina.com
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